Management

Ducks Unlimited has been involved in managing the wetland for conservation purposes since 1939, when the province passed an Order-in-Council giving them authority to manage the wetland complex for waterfowl habitat. Amendments to the OC in 1960 and 1968 clarified land descriptions and excluded the Indian Reserves from the management area.

In 1968 the Dene Tha’ band council passed a resolution to cooperate with Ducks Unlimited in the management of the wetland. According to Environment Canada, “There is no active management practiced specifically for waterfowl at present but future management may include the control of water levels.”

Since 1994, the Hay-Zama Committee has guided the management of the Park, including oil and gas development. The Committee includes representatives of diverse organizations: the Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Energy, Alberta Wilderness Association, the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency, Dene Tha’ First Nation, Ducks Unlimited, the Energy and Utilities Board, Sustainable Resources Development, and several oil and gas companies.

The Committee uses a transparent “bottom-up” process with consensual decision making, and its work is based on the concept that economic activities, environmental sensitivities, and cultural priorities can co-exist. By helping the diverse participants work toward resolution through constructive discussion, the Committee has avoided the necessity for an EUB hearing.

AWA hopes the Hay-Zama Committee process will serve as a model to guide the phase-out of “non-conforming” uses from other proposed and existing protected areas in Alberta.

The Ramsar agreement, Interim Directive ID96-1, the Management Plan (completed and endorsed by all concerned parties in 2001), and various Memoranda of Understanding are key tools in managing oil and gas development in the Park. While the EUB has played a role in the
development and enforcement of special regulations, the Hay-Zama Committee continues to lead in the protection of the Wildland Park.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife will continue to manage the wood bison herd to achieve the objective of reintroducing wood bison to their original territory.

Ramsar Designation

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation of wetlands. This designation obliges “wise use” of a site and brings increased publicity and international prestige for the designated wetland. “Wise use” is defined as sustainable use for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem.

Contracting parties (i.e., member countries, of which Canada is one) commit themselves to the following:

• Designate at least one wetland that meets the criteria for inclusion in the List of
• Wetlands of International Importance (“Ramsar List”) and ensure the maintenance of its ecological character. Listed sites do not necessarily require protected area legal status, provided their ecological character is maintained through a wise use approach.
• Promote the wise use of all wetlands within their territory through their national
• land-use planning, including wetland conservation and management.
• Promote training in wetland research, management, and wise use.
• Consult with other parties about the implementation of the Convention, especially with regard to transfrontier wetlands, shared water systems, shared species, and development projects that may affect wetlands.

Nationally, each contracting party designates an Administrative Authority as its focal point for implementation of the Convention. Countries are encouraged to establish National Wetland Committees, involving all government institutions dealing with water resources, development planning, protected areas, biodiversity, tourism, education, development assistance, etc. Participation by NGOs and civil society is also encouraged.

The Ramsar guidelines strongly urge parties to develop National Wetland Policies or Strategies, or identifiable parts devoted to wetlands in national environmental or biodiversity strategies, and they outline a broad-based multi-sectoral consultative process of policy development to resolve conflicting interests and share ownership in the policy among all stakeholders.

Contracting parties are urged to recognize the value of the knowledge and skills of local and indigenous people in relation to wetland management, making special efforts to encourage and facilitate their participation in the development and implementation of wetland policies and programs.